Pentafraction reduces the lung lymph response after endotoxin administration in the ovine model

For the past half-century, several high molecular weight compounds have been used for volume expansion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, the effectiveness and side effects of these different expanders are varied. We have compared plasma, pentastarch, and a new product, pentafraction, for effective plasma volume expansion before and after tissue injury with endotoxin administration. In each group, eight range ewes instrumented with a Swan-Ganz, arterial, and venous catheters, and lung and flank lymphatic cannulas were compared. Each group received 15 ml/kg of either 6% pentafraction, 6% pentastarch, or plasma followed two hours later by 1.5 micrograms/kg/0.5 hr E. Coli endotoxin over 30 min. Data were collected for an additional 24 hr after endotoxin administration. Our results indicated a plasma volume expansion in all three groups. However, the prior administration of pentafraction significantly attenuated the increase in the lung lymph flow and early evaluation of systemic vascular resistance noted with endotoxin in comparison to the other two groups.